Implants

Dental Implants are changing the way people live.  They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.  The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear naturally and that facial contours will be preserved.  Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that sre surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing.  These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes.  The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant.  These post provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. 

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.  First implants are placed within your jawbone.  For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone.  You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.  At the same time, you dentist is forming a new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins.  Your surgeon will uncover the implants and attached small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for artificial teeth.  When the artificial teeth placed, these posts will not be seen.  The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months.  Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. When you surgeon performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis.  Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Surgical Advances

The development of in-office CT Scans now allows your surgeon to visualize the exact size and shape of your jawbone and gum tissue in all dimensions.  Dr. Allen can plan the implant placement ahead of time using special software.  This allows precise placement, decrease in surgery time, and an overall more comfortable experience for you.

Dental Implants are suited for patient missing one tooth, several teeth, or all their teeth.  For a single missing tooth, a single implant can be placed and a crown place over the implant.  For patients missing several teeth, multiple single implants can be placed or a tradition available.  For patients missing all of their teeth, several options exist: implants can be placed to support a bridge made entirely of porcelain, implants can be placed to “snap into” a traditional denture, or implants can be placed to support a metal “frame” that a denture is secured to more permanently.  Dr. Allen and the restorative dentist will carefully evaluate your particular situation and help you make the best decision for yourself.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life.  When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago.  With this pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why Select Dental Implants Over the Traditional Types Of Restorations?

For single or multiple missing teeth, the use of dental implants makes it unnecessary to “drill” the adjacent teeth.  For the patients missing all of their teeth, implants finally provide the only solution dentures that move or slip.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed.  If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting may be recommended.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office.  Dr. Allen would be happy to discuss your options of anesthesia so that your surgery will be as comfortable as possible.  In some situations where a patient has special medical or anesthetic needs, the implant surgery can be carried out in the hospital.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy.  This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.